TRAVEL
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort is a paradise found
Let your worries float away at the Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort in Palawan
It was barely night when we made our way back to the villa, but because the surrounding islands were pitch black, and the resorts own lights turned down low, the darkness felt heavier, a blanket tucking us in. The day’s combination of sun, sand and sea was the perfect cocktail for sleep, and my small family was dreaming of slumber as we stumbled down the long wooden walkway, careful not to drop anything into the velvety darkness below. My daughter felt heavy in my arms, and her rhythmic breathing signaled a sure sign of sleep. Yet as soon as we stepped inside, the blue green glow of the underwater lights jolted her awake. It wasn’t glaring, but it was enough to remind my exhausted two-year-old of the room’s glass floor. “Fishy, mama!” she said, scrambling down. Where is this energy coming from? Wasn’t she near sleep a moment ago? She toddles to the floor then puts her face down, bottom up. “Fishy, fishy, mama,” she says again, and again and again until she’s almost asleep. It’s an image I’ll always carry with me: my daughter, her pigtails, her white cotton dress, eye lashes fluttering against sleep, completely enchanted with the water world beneath us, which was just starting to come alive.
THE GOOD STUFF
Palawan’s magic is particularly potent in this little island off of Coron, Palawan. Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort is a massive, 18-hectare luxury property near Culion, part of the Calamianes group of islands in Northern Palawan. From Manila, it’s a mere 30-minute plane ride followed by a 40-minute drive through Coron. (A private lounge at the airport welcomes SETIR’s guests). From there, a speedboat whisks guests down the pristine waters of Palawan and into this paradise.
From the water, the first thing one sees will be the floating villas lining the island’s perimeter. This is one of the unique aspects of SETIR, as all of its rooms are on the water. Select villas, including the stunning honeymoon ones, are outfitted with the Insta-famous glass floors where one can see all manner of marine life while sipping one’s coffee or nightcap. Urchins, corals, squid and a variety of local fish happily go about their day, oblivious to gawking toddlers and their equally mesmerized parents. Outdoor Jacuzzis are also available, if one wants to soak in style, and private terraces. In total there are 99 rooms, with 64 luxury villas, each of them
strategically built in the east and west to receive either morning or afternoon sun.
Once on the island, time slows down. While service is prompt, there’s an easy languor that permeates the resort and everyone moves with an unhurried grace, from the person serving your freshly shucked coconut to the guide taking you around the neighboring islands. Ryna Brito, Vice President of Unitop Group of Companies, echoes this vibe. “My perfect day in SETIR would be a really slow day: wake up in the morning, make myself an Americano, go to Sun Café for the breakfast buffet, order a cup of coffee again while enjoying the view (this usually lasts for almost 2 hours), and then walk to the beach. There I’ll enjoy the sun with a book and good music, swim in the ocean when it gets too hot! When that’s finished, I go back to the restaurant for lunch, get a shake or an iced cold juice, then take a siesta on the balcony, wake up in time for sunset, enjoy a seafood dinner, have a glass of wine in the Jacuzzi and then go to sleep.”
Despite the laidback vibe, SETIR is clearly a high class resort, well stocked with all the usual premium amenities and ready with activities to keep the most energetic kid or adventurous traveler on their toes. First off, there are two expansive white sand beaches to choose. Like Ryna, one can simply soak the sun from the shore or indulge in one of Palawan’s best offerings: the breathtaking underwater life. No need to go deep—although the brave are rewarded with otherworldly views of the rainbow-colored corals and one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world—snorkeling a few feet from the shore offers so much to see already. If you want more, the resort also creates custom tour packages that could include a sumptuous grilled lunch on the beach and even more underwater fun in the different islands.
Meanwhile, in the resort, there’s no shortage of stuff to do. There’s a glass encased gym that overlooks the sea, a spa that brings the service to your room, several restaurants (during our visit only three were open but more were being built), a helipad, a karaoke bar, a gift shop filled with silk scarves, gold and pearl jewelry from local artisans and other designer pieces; there are several pools, including an infinity pool with a stunning view of the ocean and a packed menu of beach toys—from glass bottom boats, to jet skis and diving gear.
FOOD FOR THE GODS
Food is exceptional in SETIR. As part of their sustainable efforts, the resort is developing an organic farm to add to
their fish and seafood farms. Already, their efforts are paying off, as a particular favorite among guests are the sweet crabs harvested from their own property and the exquisite seafood caught by local fisher folk. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, but guests can also option to order a la carte. Dining highlights include their take on the popular Korean samgyupsal, dinner and entertainment at the Mangrove Grill and Bar, The Cellar, an air-conditioned lounge housing a selection of the resort’s wine collection, including bottles with eye-watering prices and other premium liquors. For the ultimate indulgence, one can also rent the resort’s yacht to enjoy an exclusive sunset cruise around the island, negroni in hand with some of your nearest and dearest lounging about on the deck.
A SUSTAINED PLAN
“The concept of SETIR is simple—with every guest that visits the island resort, the aim is to give them the luxury of the intangibles of life: time, self-exploration, reconnection and whatever it is that you are looking for; perhaps, even an adventure,” says Ryna. “We want to give our guests a sense of homeliness when they come and leave with feelings of gratitude and contentment.”
“SETIR is not just a money-making development, there’s a strong emotional attachment to the property. It’s definitely a place where our guests can build or re-build relationships with others or themselves.”
The resort has big plans for the future; Ryna shares that among them are additional restaurants, a driving range, a butterfly garden, hillside rooms and bespoke transfer service. She carefully notes that sustainability is at the heart of their efforts. Maintaining the beauty and culture of the world-famous islands are their top priority, something that many people—especially parents—can appreciate. Unlike our other islands, I find hope that this magical experience is something that the younger generations can continue to have. On our last day at the island, my daughter carved out a few extra hours on the beach, building sandcastles and playing by the shore, running after the fish that dare to go near. To adults, the beauty of Palawan is the stuff of dreams. For children, it’s a reality that they lend themselves completely to. There’s a fish, she says as a school darts away. She repeats it again and again until she falls asleep.